Bhubaneswar, May 22 (UNI) The City University of New York (CUNY) has named a newly established research institute after renowned educationist Dr. Achyuta Samanta to promote research on Odisha’s art and heritage.

The institute, titled the Achyuta Samanta India Initiative CUNY Crest Institute (ASIICCI), was inaugurated on Tuesday in New York.

This marks the first time a research institute in the United States has been named after an Indian. The institute will support American students conducting research on Odisha’s art and heritage and will also focus on Dr. Samanta’s contributions to education and tribal development.

The initiative was proposed by Dr. Milton Santiago, President of Bronx Community College (a constituent of CUNY), following his recent visit to KIIT and KISS in Bhubaneswar.

Moved by Dr. Samanta’s work, Dr. Santiago suggested naming the institute in his honor. The proposal was approved by the university board, and Dr. Samanta attended the inauguration at Dr. Santiago’s invitation.

At the event, Dr. Santiago stated, “The Achyuta Samanta India Initiative will help American students from diverse backgrounds understand and engage with India’s tribal communities, cultural heritage, and one of the world’s most impactful educational models.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Samanta said it was an honor to have a U.S. institute named after him. He described the recognition as a moment of pride for Odisha, KIIT, and KISS, dedicating the honor to the people of Odisha and the KIIT-KISS community.

CUNY, a 175-year-old public university in the U.S., has more than 300,000 students across 25 colleges and represents learners from 122 countries.

During the event, Dr. Samanta was also presented with the university’s highest honor—the Presidential Medal.

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